Will I have time for fish with a young family?

[xCry0x]

Others have said it but just to re-iterate, automation is critical.

- Auto top off prevents need to add water daily to your tank (mandatory imo)
- Auto feeder can completely remove the need to even feed your fish
- Dosing pump will keep your levels balanced for you
- Lights on a timer keeps the tank lit up

Really comes down to it the only chore that you NEED to do is water changes and usually clean the glass.

My water change is 30 minutes of work a week if that (5g change weekly). Glass cleaning is a minute or two every other day or so.

Usually do a deep clean every month or so where I take out sponges and clean them out and get in with a razor and scrape glass in corners and sand bed, makes it maybe an extra 30 minutes.

 

[jml1149]

Having an Apex controller saves so much time and prevents so many mistakes, with two kids its also almost required at this point.

Water changes, lighting schedules, flow requirements, monitoring of pH and temp, water changes, it makes life so much easier. Well worth the investment in terms of simplifying things.

I picked one up here on the selling forums for 1/3 the price of new, and it works flawlessly.

I also agree, after having a 29g for two years, every little thing can be a big deal. So little wiggle room for error.

 

[xCry0x]

I also agree, after having a 29g for two years, every little thing can be a big deal. So little wiggle room for error.

IMO the biggest issue with small tanks is how limited you are with stocking it.

Anyone new to the hobby is going to be presented with a plethora of fish to choose from - picking only 2-3 for a small tank is near impossible. Not to mention being limited due to size constraints of the tank itself. No tangs, limited wrasses, no angels, etc.

Much easier to stock a nano if you already have a big tank =) Easier to control yourself.

I ended up with 5 fish in my 20g and nitrate/phosphates were always a pain. Now in my 66g I have the fish I want and am borderline on needing to add nitrate/phosphate.

 

[DBR_reef]

It is possible to have very low maintenance saltwater tanks- you have to be a little careful about what livestock you get, but it can be done. For example- I am gone for 2-3 months at a time for business. I have a mixed reef. For the last trip I had my GF make new water once and refill the auto feeder once while I was away. The glass was almost entirely covered in coraline when I got back, and a few corals kicked the bucket from getting knocked off by fish and falling behind the rock work, but most things looked better upon my return than when I left. Smart automation can save a lot of time, allowing you to spend however much time you can or want with the tank.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2567425

 

[Jameswbaker]

Wow, thanks to everyone for their suggestions. So much more to think about when you actually get first hand advise, rather than sifting through threads trying to pick bits out that are relevant to oneself.
I'm definitely going for it now, I swung past the lfs on my way home for a quick fix, and I want one.
On reflection the setup on eBay is too big for the room in which the tank is going to live, and the sump walls are too high, restricting maintanence room. Plus I want to set it up from scratch knowing that I researched the kit, knowing why and how it does what it does. I want to set the sump up , and fuge, plumb it and run it and understand my water.
My next few days are going to be spent looking at ato's, and other bits of automation, rather than eBay at used set ups.
I'm repulsive says the wife, she really means impulsive. I think my best bet is to take a few days before I make big decisions with this hobby. Think then think again the day after, then once I'm sure I'm not going to make a dogs dinner of it I'll run it by you lot for approval.
I'm excited.
Thanks again
Thanks again to everyone,

 

[lg2725]

You should go on some of the "Build" threads. They give you a pretty good idea of different setups, tank sizes, missteps, etc... Welcome to the addiction and have fun!!

 

[chrisfont23]

I did it for my 3yr old. My youngest was about 16 months at the time I started. Do it for them and involve them as much as possible.

 

[Jameswbaker]

Im sucked in.

My first job is pricing all the bits and bobs up.
My tank of choice is 340L and is going to stand me £1050 new. So all the other equipment costs will decide whether i can afford a new or second hand tank, that is if i can find one second hand, hopefully i will be able to afford new. I have not made a budget yet so i don't know what all the bits and bobs will cost. I know i want soft corals and therefore lighting will be more.
Anyway going to the LFS now to get my fix.